Payless Car Rental
Charleston

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, look for the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Center. All rental companies at CHS, including Payless, are conveniently located within this single, consolidated facility. You will not need to take a shuttle bus to an off-site lot. Simply follow the airport signage on a short walk to the dedicated building where you will find the counter and vehicle pickup area.

You can rest assured that finding the rental car area at CHS is straightforward, even after a late arrival. The airport is well-signed, and you should follow the clear directions for the Rental Car Center, which is where all car rental operations are housed. This facility is designed for easy navigation at all hours. If you have any trouble, an airport information desk or any airline staff member can point you in the right direction.

While exact times can vary, it's wise to budget around 45 to 60 minutes from deplaning to driving away during a busy period. This accounts for the time it takes to walk from your gate, wait for checked luggage, and proceed to the Rental Car Center. During peak afternoon hours, you may experience a queue at the rental counter, so building in a little extra time helps ensure a relaxed start to your Charleston visit.

The most direct route to downtown Charleston is designed to be simple for visitors. From the rental car facility, you will exit onto International Boulevard. Follow this to I-526 East, and then in a few miles, merge onto I-26 East, which is clearly marked for Charleston. This interstate will take you directly onto the Charleston peninsula, avoiding complex local roads.

For travelers staying downtown, utilizing the city's public parking garages is the most reliable and secure option for overnight parking. Look for garages located near Marion Square, in the Historic District, or close to the City Market. Many hotels partner with these garages or have their own limited parking, so it's a good idea to check with your accommodation for their specific recommendation before you arrive.

Keeping a rental car near King Street requires some planning, as on-street parking is scarce and often metered with strict time limits. Loading and unloading luggage can be challenging due to the narrow streets and constant activity. The most practical approach is to book a hotel that offers guest parking or to identify a nearby public garage where you can leave the car for the duration of your stay while you explore the area on foot.

An efficient plan is to first drive directly from the airport to your hotel. Most downtown hotels have a temporary loading zone out front, allowing you to quickly check in and drop off your luggage. Once your bags are secure, you can then drive the car to a pre-identified public parking garage for the remainder of the day. This strategy avoids the stress of searching for street parking and lets you begin exploring the historic city on foot right away.

Weekend traffic into Charleston typically peaks on Friday afternoons between 3 PM and 6 PM as both commuters and visitors head into the city. On Saturdays, you can expect heavier traffic on US-17 and the connectors leading to the beaches, especially from mid-morning to early afternoon. To ensure a smoother drive, try to plan your arrival for outside these peak congestion windows.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a modern, eight-lane bridge that offers fantastic views and is generally very easy to navigate. The lanes are wide and the incline is gradual, making for a comfortable drive. During periods of high wind or heavy rain, it's wise to reduce your speed, maintain a safe following distance, and be mindful of potential crosswinds, but the bridge is designed to handle these conditions safely.

Yes, street closures are common in downtown Charleston, particularly on weekends. Areas around the historic City Market often have closures for the open-air market, and streets along the Battery or Broad Street may be blocked for festivals, parades, or running events. It's always a good idea to check the City of Charleston's official website or use a real-time navigation app for the latest traffic updates before you drive into the historic district.

Many of the area's most famous attractions outside the downtown core are very car-friendly. The historic plantations along Ashley River Road, such as Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place, are designed for vehicle access with large, dedicated parking lots. Similarly, Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant and the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum are easily reached by car and offer ample parking.

Both beaches are accessible via straightforward routes from the airport area. To get to Folly Beach, you will typically take I-526 to the James Island Expressway (SC-30), which leads directly to Folly Road. For Isle of Palms, you'll take I-526 to US-17 North into Mount Pleasant, then follow signs for the Isle of Palms Connector (SC-517), which takes you right to the island.

During the busy summer season, especially on weekends, finding parking at these popular beaches can be a challenge. To secure a convenient spot and avoid frustration, it is highly recommended to plan your arrival before 10:00 AM. The earlier you can get there, the better your chances will be of finding parking close to the beach access points without a long search.

An early-morning trip to Folly Beach is one of the most pleasant driving experiences you can have. Leaving downtown before sunrise means you will encounter virtually no traffic on the James Island Expressway or Folly Road. This allows for a quick, peaceful drive to the coast. You'll also have your choice of prime parking spots near the pier or along the beachfront before the day's crowds begin to arrive.

Planning a trip to these private islands is simple with a little preparation. The drive from Charleston takes you through scenic Johns Island on roads that are well-paved but can be narrow. As these are gated communities, you will need to have a reservation for dining, golf, or accommodation to be granted a visitor's pass at the main security gate. Be sure to have your destination's name ready for the gate attendant upon arrival.

A great way to structure this day trip is to visit the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island first. After your visit, you are perfectly positioned to continue your drive further onto the island toward Kiawah or Seabrook islands. Alternatively, you can easily backtrack a short distance and take the Maybank Highway over to James Island to spend the afternoon at Folly Beach, creating an efficient and scenic Lowcountry loop.

First-time visitors often get surprised by the prevalence of one-way streets in the historic district, so trusting your GPS is essential. Another common issue is not allowing enough space on the very narrow lanes, especially when sharing the road with horse-drawn carriages. Finally, always be on high alert for pedestrians, as they frequently step into the street, particularly in busy areas like the City Market and along King Street.

Navigating the historic district after dark can be a unique challenge. The atmospheric gas lighting is beautiful but provides less illumination than modern streetlights, and street signs can be difficult to spot. Combined with the high number of pedestrians enjoying the evening, it is crucial to drive slowly and with extra caution. Using a GPS with voice navigation can be extremely helpful in these conditions.

The area immediately surrounding the airport is perfect for a quick stop. The shopping centers along International Boulevard and Montague Avenue, including Tanger Outlets, offer numerous options. You'll find familiar grocery stores, pharmacies, and a variety of fast-casual restaurants, making it easy to grab any needed supplies and let everyone stretch their legs before the final leg of your drive.

A practical approach is for the designated driver to proceed to the rental car counter to complete all the necessary paperwork and pick up the vehicle. They can then wait for the rest of the party at the airport's cell phone lot, which is a short drive from the terminal. Once the delayed travelers have collected their bags, they can call for a quick and easy pickup at the terminal's arrivals curb.

Absolutely, this is often the best strategy for exploring the historic peninsula. The downtown area is remarkably compact and walkable, making a car more of a hindrance than a help for sightseeing. By securing your rental in a central parking garage for the day, you can freely explore on foot and use occasional ride-shares for longer distances, saving you the significant hassle of navigating narrow streets and finding parking multiple times.

To have the smoothest drive to Boone Hall, try to avoid the typical weekday commuter rush hours. The heaviest traffic in Mount Pleasant along US-17 occurs between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Planning your visit for a weekday morning after 9:30 AM or during the midday hours will generally result in a much more pleasant and less congested drive to and from the plantation.

From downtown Charleston, the drive out to these famous plantations along the scenic Ashley River Road (Highway 61) typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The road itself is a beautiful, historic byway shaded by live oaks, but it is a two-lane road that can be slow-moving. Upon arrival at either plantation, the entrance process is very smooth, with clear signage directing you to large parking areas.

A day trip south is a great way to see more of the Lowcountry. The drive to Beaufort takes about 90 minutes, while Hilton Head is closer to two hours. The main route is US-17 South, which is a straightforward drive. For a pleasant break, consider stopping in the small town of Walterboro or taking a short, scenic detour to see the Old Sheldon Church Ruins just off the main highway.

A day trip to Savannah is very feasible and a popular choice for visitors. The drive typically takes around two hours each way, primarily on I-95 South. To avoid the worst of the morning traffic in both cities, it's best to depart from Charleston after 9:00 AM. This allows you to miss the local rush hour and enjoy a more relaxed journey down to Georgia.

For a short visit, one of the best places to park is the Charleston Visitor Center garage on Ann Street. This central location provides excellent access to the Charleston Museum, the start of the main shopping district on King Street, and is a hub for tour departures. From here, you can easily walk to many of the city's key highlights, making it an efficient base for a few hours of exploration.

During these peak times, you should expect significant traffic delays on all routes leading to the area's beaches. The James Island Expressway to Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms Connector in Mount Pleasant can become extremely congested, sometimes adding an hour or more to your travel time. The key is to either leave very early in the morning or plan your beach visit for a weekday if possible.

Charleston is a low-lying coastal city, and heavy rainfall can lead to rapid, localized flooding, a phenomenon locals are very familiar with. It's crucial to drive with extreme caution during and after a downpour. Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water as you cannot be sure of the depth, and be aware that some downtown streets and coastal roads are particularly prone to temporary flooding.

The most important consideration during hurricane season is to stay informed and follow all guidance from state and local officials. If an evacuation is recommended, major routes like I-26 will experience exceptionally heavy traffic, and lane reversals may be put in place. Bridges may close due to high winds, so it's critical to have a flexible plan and prioritize safety above all else.

Reaching hotels in North Charleston from the airport is very simple and keeps you away from downtown traffic. As you leave the rental car facility, follow the signs for I-526. Most major hotels in the North Charleston area are located just off exits from either I-526 or I-26, making them highly accessible and easy to find with a GPS.

The most direct route from the airport to Mount Pleasant is to take I-526 East to US-17. For the popular Shem Creek area, there are several public parking lots available right by the restaurants and boardwalk. However, these spots are in high demand, especially on evenings and weekends, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a space.

Visiting Patriots Point by car is exceptionally easy. It is located in Mount Pleasant, just over the Ravenel Bridge from downtown, with large, clear signs directing you from the highway. The museum has a vast, dedicated parking lot right at the entrance, so you can park with ease. Getting back on the road is just as simple, with direct access back to US-17.

To get to James Island County Park, you'll typically take the James Island Expressway from downtown and then follow Folly Road, with clear signage directing you to the park entrance. During major events like the Holiday Festival of Lights, be prepared for significant traffic and long lines to enter the park, especially on weekend evenings. Arriving early or visiting on a weeknight can help minimize your wait time.

A smart plan is to drive first to the wedding venue or your hotel to quickly drop off passengers and any hanging garments. Many venues have a small area for temporary unloading. After the drop-off, the driver can then proceed directly to a nearby public parking garage that you have identified in advance. This avoids the stress of circling for limited street parking while on a tight schedule.

You'll find several convenient gas stations located along Montague Avenue and International Boulevard, the main roads that lead directly to the airport entrance. These stations are situated just before the turn-off for the rental car return area. This makes for a quick and hassle-free final stop to refuel your vehicle before your flight.

As you approach Charleston International Airport on International Boulevard, make sure to stay in the left-hand lanes. Look for the large, clear overhead signs that specifically read "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to a dedicated entrance ramp that is completely separate from the loops for passenger departures and arrivals, ensuring you get to the right place.

The rental car return facility at CHS is designed for 24/7 operations and is very well-lit, even in the dark. The overhead directional signs are illuminated and easy to follow as you enter the return garage. Once inside, you will see clear signage for each rental agency, including Payless, guiding you to the correct lane for a smooth and secure vehicle return process.

It's a wise idea to budget an additional 20 to 30 minutes at the rental car return area if you need to manage beach gear. This gives you ample time to shake out sandy floor mats, dispose of any trash, and comfortably reorganize your suitcases before you drop off the keys. Building in this buffer helps ensure you are not rushed as you head into the terminal to check in for your flight.

The historic district South of Broad is widely considered the most challenging area for driving. Its streets are exceptionally narrow, some are still cobblestone, and public parking is virtually nonexistent. The French Quarter and the area immediately surrounding the City Market can also be difficult due to their one-way street patterns and very high levels of pedestrian and carriage traffic.

A great strategy is to dedicate separate days to different types of activities. Use one full day to explore the downtown historic peninsula, leaving your car parked in a garage and enjoying the city on foot. On another day, you can create a "driving day" by visiting a plantation like Middleton Place in the morning, then continuing on to a nearby beach like Folly Beach or Kiawah Island for the afternoon, maximizing your time outside the city center.